The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1887-04-15
SOLDIERS CEMETERY.
THE UNION DEAD THAT WERE
BURIED At ANDERSONVlLLE, GA.

The UNION DEAD THAT WE'VE
BURIED At ANDERsoNvlLLE, GA.
An Explanation Concerning the Death
Rcgister-Dc"uti'ul Appearance Of the
Cemctery-Gravcs Of the Unidentified.
Tho Rows of Tombstoncs.
Let us turn to the cemetery. This is stu
ated about half mile northeast Of the station
ct Andersonville, and comprises about twenty
four acres Of beautifully undulating grounds,
with many natural features not to be found
In the spot from which we have just turned.
The appearance Of the cemetery has been en-
tirely changed since war days Then 1t was
but a rude field. The dead were buried In
trenches seven feet wide, four feet deep and
from fifty to $50 yards long No collins were
used, but the twisted, emaciated forms OF the
dead prisoners were laid side by side, ard at
the head of each was driven little stake, on
which was painted number corresponding
to the number Of the body OH tho death regis
ter. Tho cemetery was direful necessity,
and no extra pains were taken with it. Not
before June, 1865, was any step taken toward
inclosing the ground and marking the graves
80 that they could he identified in tho future.
A word OF explanation respecting tho death
register is perhaps necessary that tho reader
may see why only 021 out Of 1898 lack
Identification. When prisoner died his
comrades reported to the registrar Of the
dead. a prisoner appointed for that purpose,
near the wicket at tho south gate. The
registrar recorded the name, state, regiment,
company, rank and date of death Of the dead
man and assigned him number. Thus each
corpse was numbered, and rs they were car
ried out in the dead wagon for burial care
was taken to inter The bodies in order and
mark each with numbered stake. All this
was done by prisoners detailed for that work.
and hence the care that wits exercised.
IDENTIFYING THE GRAVES
Thus, when james B. Moore, assistant
uuartermaster United States army, was ap-
pointed to care temporarily for the dead at
Andersonville, he had no difficulty with the
aid Of the registry that had been kept in
Identifying most Of the YES With
force Of several hundred NEIL lie proceeded to
lay out walks, fence in the grounds and
mark the graves with painted head boards
About 10000 feet Of pine boards were thus
used. OF course, some stakes had been re-
1QOtcA uAu oOAAAO uACSUAVAo OA GAlO tCHAo"y
were imperfect; but the care that was taken
Is credit to those who had the matter in
charge.
The work then begun 90 timely has since
been untiringly kept up. The cemetery now
presents beautiful appearance. The grounds
are nicely laid out and neatly kept The
whole is inclosed by brick wall about five
and half feet high. the plainness of the wall
being relieved by neatly constructed twenty
foot panels, which are supported by square
pilasters, the pilasters being carried above the
top course of the wall The fine iron gates
are always open to visitors, who flock to the
place by hundreds.
From the center of diamond shaped plat
rises a flag staff on which the stars and stripes
are to be seen flying from sunrise to sunset,
except in inclement weather. Near by are
stationed couple Of cannon, mounted on
stone bases. From this point radiate four
finely kept avenues, about twenty feet wide;
parallel rows Of large water oaks cast on them
an abundant shade; brick cutters on either
side keep them well drained. The four Sec
tions Of the cemetery ore also well shaded and
beautifully adorned with shrubs and foliage
plants.
ROWS OF ToMBsToNEs.
The graves, OF course, are as they were
first formed. The painted head boards that
Mr.. Moore erected have been taken away and
burned, and substantial white marble slabs
have been erected in their places. These
stones are of two kinds, but those of each
kind are uniform. Here and there, indeed,
are stones that have been furnished by the
family of the dead, but the majority are of
the uniform make, flu nished by the govern
ment.
For the graves of identified soldiers the
tombstones are fiat, polished slabs, three feet
long, ono-half being under ground, four
inches thick and twelve inches wide. On the
face side is a raised shield, and on this is
recorded the number, name, rank and state
Of him who sleeps below. This is neat, and
Of course somewhat monotonous, but it is the
best generous minded public could do. For
The unknown soldiers the stones are four
inches square and project only five inches
above ground. The rows Of graves are about
ten or twelve feet apart Everything is SO
neatly cared for, the spot is so replete with
the symmetrical rows of tomb
stones are SO symbolic Of similar cause and
an equal fate, the pleasant grounds are so
shady and quiet that one feels the scene
deeply impressive Here and there, too, are
found cast tablets-there are some twenty-five
Of them Notwithstanding suitable inscrip-
tions Many of these are extremely beauti-
full, bringing to the visitors mind the dignity,
heroism and suffering Of the fallen soldiers
Cor Chicago Times.